Fluoride health

Fluoride is not classed as an essential nutrient but because of its strengthening effect on bones and teeth it is officially considered to be a beneficial element in humans. Fluoride is found in the teeth, bones, thyroid gland and skin. The average body contains about 2.6 g of fluoride.

Benefits

Teeth

Fluoride helps in the formation of strong teeth. It protects them from decay by forming compounds with calcium and phosphorus that are stronger and less soluble than other calcium salts. These compounds remain in bone as they are not as easily re-absorbed into circulation to supply calcium needs. Children whose mothers have sufficiently high fluoride intake during pregnancy seem to have fewer cavities than children of mothers whose diets are lacking in fluoride. A baby' s first teeth start forming in the first few months of pregnancy and adult teeth in the last few months. Fluoride affects the strength and susceptibility to decay of these teeth.

Bones

Bones seem to be more stable and resistant to degeneration when the diet is adequate in fluoride.

Absorption and metabolism

Excretion of fluoride is mainly through the kidneys.

Deficiency

Low fluoride levels increase the risk of dental caries in children and possibly, of osteoporosis in adults. The incidence of dental caries is higher in areas where the water is not fluoridated.